Dental Implants – The Best Solution for Missing Teeth

Missing teeth can cause many problems as eating difficulties, slurred speech, mumbling, damage to the tooth enamel next to the missing tooth, and loss of confidence. So we can say that missing teeth are not only a matter of appearance and a beautiful smile, but they affect overall dental health and could cause other medical issues.

Sometimes despite all the effort, we put into dental care, we may lose one or more teeth due to periodontal disease, tooth decay, or injury.

Dental implants have become a popular solution for missing teeth problems because they look like natural teeth and offer the same feeling while eating, talking, and laughing as natural teeth.

What Are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are prostheses, usually made of titanium, to replace tooth roots. They are placed into the jawbone with screw devices and become bases for an artificial tooth.

A dental implant has three parts:

• the titanium implant – the part that replaces the tooth root,
• the abutment – the piece that supports a tooth and is usually attached to the implant,
• the prosthetic tooth known as the crown – the visible part covered with white enamel.

When the dental implant is implemented in the jawbone, it becomes the basis for the new artificial tooth and the placement of the dental crowns.

Who is the Ideal Candidate for Dental Implants?

Generally speaking, any person after adolescence, with bone growth completed, can undergo a dental implant procedure.

Patients need to have a good bone structure with a sufficient bone to support the implant and healthy gum tissues. Good oral hygiene is a must not only before, but also after the procedure. This procedure lasts a few months so the candidate must be ready to commit and have enough patience along the process.

Smoking is not recommended for those who want dental implants, because heavy smoking can cause dental implant failure.

The only way to find out if you are a good candidate for dental implants is to consult the dentist first. Madison Avenue Smile’s team from New York City will answer any question you have or doubt. Just call us at 212-593-2868 and schedule a consultation.

Dental Implants Procedure

The dental implant procedure takes several months with a few visits to your dentist. After consultation with the dentist and deciding to start with the process of dental implant installation, your dentist will examine your oral health, teeth, gums, and bone structure. This step includes the use of x-rays and computer scanning.

In Madison Avenue Smile, a dental clinic from NYC, we use CBCT scans with 3-D models that allow the patient to understand the procedures better and visualize the result. Based on all results from this step, the dentist will develop the most appropriate treatment plan for you. During this step, you will discuss the question of local anesthesia, and the potential cost of the procedure. Once your dentist is sure that all conditions are met, your dental implantation treatment begins.

The second part of the procedure is placing the dental implants. The oral surgeon will cut to reach a bone, and drill into the bone with different speeds to make a hole for the tooth root implant. After the dental implant has been surgically placed in the jawbone, the period called osseointegration starts.

Osseointegration is the process by which the implant makes a connection to the bone structure so the healing process can last several months. During this period of healing, you can have a temporary abutment in place of the tooth.

Once the implant makes a complete connection with bone, the abutment is attached to hold your new tooth. Your dentist will make the impression of your teeth to create a model of your jaw and new tooth.

The final step is to attach the crown to the abutment and follow dental care with regular visits to the dentist to ensure that everything is all good.

Types of Dental Implants Procedures

Single Tooth Dental Implants

When you have one missing tooth, one dental implant can replace it. Once placed, the anchors begin to fuse with the bone over a few months. After the osseointegration process, the dentist will place the abutment in the anchors, as the basis for the dental crown. Dental implants become a fixed part of the jawbone and foundation for an artificial tooth root.

Implant-Supported Bridges

An implant-supported bridge is a solution to replace several missing teeth with artificial teeth. Traditionally, bridges have been placed on natural teeth, which requires the processing of teeth. Implant-supported bridge or fixed denture is attached to titanium posts implanted in the jawbone. It can cause damage to natural teeth, as time goes on, particularly if existing teeth, roots, or surrounding bone structure are already compromised. With an implant-supported bridge, implants become secured by two or more implants, leaving your teeth untouched.

Implant-Supported Dentures

It is the solution for people who lost all of their teeth as an alternative to traditional removable dentures. Implant-Supported Dentures procedures require placing a minimum of four dental implants that become the base for attaching dentures.

Many factors are included to be eligible for this solution, like jawbone density as a determining factor. A dental implant can support the removable denture and permanent denture. Implants make it possible to have smaller and more comfortable dentures with less movement during use, which can increase confidence with your smile.

Full Arch with Four Implants

It is a unique procedure that allows patients with complete toothless upper or lower arch to replace a whole arch of teeth using only 4 implants as “anchors”. This treatment brings some advantages such as easy care, more natural eating, speaking, feeling, and function like your natural teeth, and can help reduce the sunken appearance that can occur with bone loss in the jaw. It also prevents movement or gum irritation associated with removable dentures and increases general mouth health. All of this can significantly improve the quality of older people’s lives and help with other medical conditions.

Mini Dental Implants (MDIs)

Mini Dental Implants are used for small teeth and narrow space between existing teeth. MDIs are similar to regular implants, and the difference is that it is smaller in diameter. It takes two visits to the dental clinic and has a waiting period of a couple of months for an MDI from the placement to the time the permanent replacement tooth can be placed. The main characteristics of mini dental implants are success rate is lower than other dental implants, they require minimally invasive techniques, and they cost less. Mini Dental implant is the solution when the bone mass in the jaw is insufficient to support a full-size implant screw.

Recovery After Dental Implant Surgery

The recovery process after dental implant surgery depends on many factors and can vary from person to person. Maintaining good oral hygiene and preventing gum disease and infections are very important.

After the surgery, your doctor can suggest you choose soft food and avoid to eat chew hard food because of potential pain and an unpleasant feeling in the mouth. A regular visit to your dentist is also very important not only after the treatment but frequently to follow general oral health. Keep in mind that some chronic illnesses may affect the healing of surgery.

Potential Complications

In some cases during dental implant treatment, certain complications may occur. Most reasons for implant failure are related to the osseointegration process, usually, if the implant is placed in a poor position. The most common reasons for dental implant failure are bone loss, infection, dental trauma, and bed integration with bone.

Dental implant surgery includes risks such as infection at the implant site, nerve damage, damage to the surrounding structure, or sinus problems usually related to upper jaw implant places. You can recognize symptoms that indicate potential implant failures such as swelling gums around the implant, pain, and discomfort while eating and chewing, and a loose or shifting implant. In all these cases make an appointment with your dentist. Regardless of the risks, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98% and became one of the greatest achievements in dentistry.

How Much do Dental Implants Cost?

The cost of dental implants depends on a lot of factors. The first is the number of dental implants the patient needs and dental health conditions.  Occasionally, procedures require additional treatment that can raise the total costs.

Different types of dental implant materials vary in price, and the costs include the price of the crown, the abutment, and preparation for the surgery, the same as the post-operation cost. Costs range from $3,000 – $4,800 per tooth. The total cost of dental implants depends on the patient’s condition, desire, and possibilities. 

The only way to find out the costs of your implants is to consult a dentist specializing in dental implantation.

The good news is that some insurance providers cover dental implant costs, while in some cases, dental implants are considered to be a part of cosmetic dentistry. You need to consult your insurance provider to be sure to which category you belong.

Advantages of Dental Implants

The main advantage is improved oral health because they stop bone loss, and deformities in the upper and lower jaw and maintain facial structure. Natural teeth around dental implants and gums stay safe and there is no need for the removal of enamel as in the setting of dental bridges. Dental Implant is also resistant to cavities.

When it comes to longevity, a dental implant can last many years and represent a long-term solution for missing teeth. With proper oral care, they last a lifetime. 

Aftercare Dental Implants Procedure

Dental implant care is the same as natural teeth care and includes daily brushing, flossing, using an antibacterial mouthwash, and frequent visit to your doctor. You should avoid chewing hard things such as ice, candy, and anything that can break your crown and affect your gums. Also, you should stop smoking if you want your dental implant to last. 

To Sum Up

If you are from NYC and considering a dental implant as a replacement solution for your problem with lost teeth, request an appointment with the experienced dentist from Madison Avenue Smile. We can provide you with guided implant placement using CBCT scans. Using a virtual 3-D model or a physical model, implant placements and the following restorative work can be simulated to create the ideal treatment plan.

If you need more information, be free to contact us by calling 212-593-2868.